Gamekeeper Podcast

On this episode we talk with Stephen “Chuck” Cromwell an Ohio bow hunter who has tagged two 200 inch plus bucks in two years. His recent 266 inch buck may be the new number #2 in Indiana after drying. Hard work, scouting, knocking on doors and a pile of patience led to his success. The story of the hunts for these bucks are amazing and the efforts he puts into his bow hunting mature bucks is impressive. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we are joined by expert bow hunter Matt Brock to talk deer hunting. We all agreed, this is one of the best deer podcasts we’ve recorded. We talk about why we love it so much, strategies and tactics. We also discuss does bow hunting put more pressure on a property than rifle hunting. What does do you target?  What habitat improvements help the most. The answers may surprise you. Matt does a great job of explaining his thoughts of trying to kill mature bucks. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode were joined by old school duck hunter and decoy carver Dathan Skelton of Michigan. Dathan has found a love of the old dekes and duck hunting ways while carving  beautiful decoys himself under the brand Long Tail Decoys. He tells the story of his old hunting camp on Saginaw Bay and how the locals carved decoys for hunting. It’s a fascinating look back at our heritage and we learn what he is doing to preserve the traditions. 

Listen, Learn, Enjoy. 

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This week we’re joined by Dr. Harry Jacobson an old school deer professor and the man credited with helping install Mississippi’s first “Deer Management Program”. The program went on to be implemented by many other states. Harry spent the better of his career at Mississippi State and his teaching tree includes some big names. Retired now he still works on hunting properties and keeps up to date with the latest research. At 81 he recently ratted in a killed a buck with his bow. We discuss how things used to be and compared them to present day. It’s a fascin...

On this episode we interview Stanley Wymbs who recently killed a mature albino whitetail buck. That’s rare and we wanted to hear the story. Stanley is a serious hunter who has been chasing whitetails for many years. He actually makes some grunt calls under the Black Lightning brand. He teaches us how he uses grows and ticks to bring bucks in closer. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined be Terry Drury of Drury Outdoors to talk bow hunting. Terry has been at it a long time and he and his brother Mark manage their farms specifically for large bucks. In fact, Terry has killed five bucks over 180 in the last five years. We ask how he does it and his answers help us understand the mindset it takes to target older mature whitetails. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.   

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On this episode we’re joined by expert bowhunter Jon Syverson, who has traveled across the globe pursuing his passion. Jon was a co-founder of Rage broadheads and spent A LOT of time field testing and proving them on everything from whitetails to buffalo and brown bears. He is an interesting guy that loves bowhunting and has a lot of stories to share.

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  

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On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Jacob Dykes and Dr. Eric Michel of the MSU Deer Lab. We talk velvet shedding, bachelor groups, early season, new population data and the tell us a about a huge new research project they will be launching. Jeff Lindsey also joins us to learn about the project. Listen, Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined in studio by expert beaver trapper and explosive expert George Brown.  Beavers are industrious critters and can back up a lot of water given the chance. We talk about draining and creating wetland areas to protect timber and create waterfowl impoundments. Using explosives to clear beaver dams and move water is a dangerous job and George has years of experience. It’s a an interesting discussion. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Derrick Dixon, founder of Whitetail Research, a research-driven media platform based in Southern Missouri. Derrick puts questions hunters have debated for years to the test through real-world field research, studying everything from deer movement and behavior, coyote interactions, population density, nocturnal activity, and the effects of temperature on deer movement.

Derrick approach is simple: ask the questions, do the research, and let the evidence lead the conversation. This is a fascinating look at what research can teach us about whitetails, hunting, and the equipment we use in the field.

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On this episode we’re joined by Nathan Hood and Justin Henderson to talk food plot planting techniques. We talk everything from throw and mow to traditional disking, the importance of cultipacking, hand seeding, atv seeders, and a deep dive in how a grain drill works. With the recent years of drought, preserving moisture is important. Implementing a no till technique has proven itself a valid process and we learn about it.  

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Bronson Strickland and Dr. Mick Hellickson to explain the results of their lengthy study on culling bucks. Genetics and nutrition are buzz words that deer biologists reference all the time. We can help provide enhanced nutrition in a variety of ways but what about genetics? Can you cull your way to better bucks over time? We get this question answered as they explain the 20 plus year research project that set out to understand this issue. Its amazing what they learned. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  

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On this EXTRA episode Mark Olis of Moultrie joins us to explain the many high tech features of the new Moultrie EDGE 4 cameras and the App. Cameras are a big part of how we monitor our deer and if you don’t understand to use all the hunt-planning features you are missing out and possibly not getting all the info you possibly can. Marks a wealth of knowledge and explains it all. 

Listen Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode, we’re joined by famed Minnesota fishing guide Kip Vieth to explain the many nuances of muskie fishing. You might be thinking, “I don’t have muskellunge where I fish,” but just trust us—this is an interesting fish native to North America that now has a greater distribution, thanks to many state agencies giving it a chance in their home waters. Muskie fishermen are a different breed, and we can all respect their determination. October is prime time in many areas for catching big muskies. 

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On this episode we’re joined once again by Dr. Mick Hellickson to discuss aging deer on the hoof. Aging bucks can be challenging at times (like during the summer and peak rut), and Mick shares how he does it including a couple of non-traditional tips. Mick is a renowned biologist who’s had his hands and binoculars on lots of bucks through the years and gives great advice to help a Gamekeeper make the best educated decisions. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Carl Ackerman. Carl decided at a young age to hunt as much as possible and as many species as he could. He has some great stories of hunts and travels from all over North America and Africa. We all dream of those “bucket list” hunts, and Carl will motivate you to go. He also has a very special memory of being in remote Alaska when 9-11 occurred and not knowing what was happening and no planes could pick up his hunting party. It’s a sobering memory of a difficult time in our live...

On this episode we’re joined by the whitetail expert Dr. Mick Hellickson. Mick has an impressive resume and it’s a great conversation with a deeply scientific minded Gamekeeper who thinks about managing deer every day and pays attention to all the details of growing larger bucks and managing a herd.

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by hunter, optics expert and Leupold head man Bruce Pettet. Bruce has been around optics at a high level a long time. He gave us some insight into how scopes have improved, but also covered tips for  sighting in and using binoculars and range finders properly. These products are the key to making a hunt successful as well as more enjoyable. It’s never too early to get ready! 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.  

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On this episode we celebrate the fun and traditions of a good ole dove shoot. We’re joined by Houston Haven of MDWFP and longtime dove field preparer and hunter Jay Chancellor. It’s a fun discussion that will remind everyone just why we enjoy a good shoot so much. Houston explains some of the biology of the dove and Jay explains how to have an enjoyable, safe hunt and make a field last. There is a lot more to it than most people think. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode, we learn about the fascinating catalpa tree and its ability to produce the fine fish bait known as catalpa worms. Where do these trees grow? How do you recognize them, and how can you encourage your trees to produce more worms? What if you don’t have any worms, what can you do?

Our guest, Brian Anderson, is an expert on catalpa trees and catalpa worms, and we all learned so much from him.

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode we discuss new and used tractors with seasoned mechanic Clay Davis who runs the Gamekeeper Garage. Clay spends his days keeping everything running and has learned a lot through the years. From hooking up attachments, horsepower needs, which transmission type is best to work to look for in a used tractor, we ask a lot of questions. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Dr. James Martin of UGA to discuss northern bobwhite quail and much more. James is an interesting guy who loves the old ways and clings to them. Whether its following a brace of dogs or sitting down to a gobbling turkey, James clearly loves the sport and respects the traditions. We discuss the past, present and future of the Gentleman Bob and much more.  Turns out all this effort to help wild turkeys could be benefiting the wild quail also.

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we discuss scouting and game camera tips. Our weekends are precious, and knowledge from careful scouting can reveal so much.  There is an art to camera placement and getting the best informative pictures that can help you unlock what’s happening on your hunting area. Our friends at Moultrie are changing the game with technology and we are here for it. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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This week we’re joined by former Major League Baseball All-Star and Gamekeeper Adam Wainwright. Adam played 18 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, winning a World Series in the process. During those years he never strayed from his love of deer hunting and in fact the Drury’s during his time there lit a fire in him to manage a property! After retiring from MLB Adam moved back to his home state of Georgia and purchased a rough 1600 acre property that was truly a blank slate and is in the process of turning it into a wildlife haven. It’s an i...

On this episode we’re joined by Kurt Colgrove and Justin Ballard of Paragon Aerial Solutions. These guys are using drones to do wildlife surveys (think deer, turkeys, pigs and even coyotes), but they are actually kicking your typical drone survey up a few notches. We’re all familiar with doing annual deer censuses with trail cameras, but these guys have determined a way to have instant data. Its impressive. 

We talk about what all they have learned that could benefit a Gamekeeper. We also discuss the ethics and legal issues around drone usage.  

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On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Jay Shelton of UGA to discuss pond management and especially aquatic weed problems. Jay is an obsessed fisherman and extremely knowledgeable  about pond weeds and how to control them. Is there anything more frustrating when owning a pond than having weeds that prevent you from being able to fish it? We talk about construction, permits, revamping old ponds, chemicals, how to apply, grass carp and how these crazy weeds get into ponds. It’s a great conversation and if you have a pond or just enjoy fishing, you’ll benefit from his yea...

On this episode we’re joined by two renowned birding enthusiasts to tell the story and help unwrap the mystery of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis).  Chuck Hunter is retired from the USFWS and spent his career working on endangered and threatened, at-risk, and other species of conservation concern throughout the Southeast Region.  Bobby Harrison, a noted birding expert has quite a history with the Ivory-billed. He frequently goes on searching expeditions, has reported several sightings and tells us about an encounter. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a complicated story, wrought with equal doses of doubt and hope, but it’s one...

On this episode we’re joined by two experts, John Doresky and Will McDearman, to explain the story of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.  John is the current USFWS Recovery Coordinator and Will, now retired, was the previous coordinator.  Both men have spent most of their careers studying these birds and have interesting information to share. The RCW is a small woodpecker that used to be abundant in the longleaf pine ecosystems, but has had challenges as most of their habitat has changed. The story of how man-made cavities have helped save the birds is a really good one. You’ll never...

On this episode we’re joined by Orin Robinson of Cornell University to discuss the modern methods of monitoring birds and especially waterfowl. Orin is a Senior Research Associate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and has traveled the world studying birds. His love is waterfowl and he explains eBird and Merlin to us. It’s a fascinating discussion with a scientist that has amazing insight into the modern methods of studying of waterfowl and terrestrial birds. The future is here and we can all be citizen scientists and help. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this very timely episode guests Dr. Scott Stephens and Dr. Mike Brasher of Ducks Unlimited explain some changes that are being considered to the Prairie Pothole region’s wetlands. These wetlands were voluntarily placed into waterfowl friendly easements through our duck stamp purchases, and the USFWS is asking for comments concerning possible changes that can affect these wetland ecosystems and their ability to house nesting ducks and other waterfowl. The two scientists explain what’s going on and ask listeners to comment. If you love ducks, duck hunting and wetlands, give this one a listen asap. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Mark Drury to discuss getting ready for the white-tailed deer season. Mark always has interesting insight and wisdom when it comes to whitetails. We talk camera placement, licking branches, the moon, bachelor groups, planting near native bedding areas and how keeping historical data on bucks leads to success. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode we’re joined by Rafe Nielsen of Browning to learn about the mysterious 16-gauge. It’s a great sized shotgun and many people swear by them but the 16 didn’t stay popular for many reasons. Why didn’t it take off? Is it still used much today? What sub-gauges are hunters currently choosing? We also learned some facts about Browning and also got some tips for introducing kids. It’s a fun show.

Listen, Learn and Enjoy. 

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On this episode were joined by the great minds of Bronson Strickland and Bonner Powell of Wildlife Investments.  We talk about an often overlooked area on hunting properties, old fields. We learn what’s the best strategy, techniques and ways to add value to your wildlife by managing these areas with intention. It’s a process that can yield great results and doesn’t cost as much as other projects. This one is really informative. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined by Bob Brzuszek  and Tim Schauwecker. Bob’s “retired” and Tim still teaches at the Mississippi State School of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design.  These guys are buddies and LOVE native plants and utilize them where ever possible. It’s a fascinating discussion about what the past landscape looked like and it gives us insight into making habitat decisions, both in our yards and out in the country, for today and the future.  Understanding the role of native plants and how to give them the best chance for success was a very enlightening discussion. <...

On this episode we’re joined by Ben, Hunter and Cole Mears. They are a father and sons taxidermy team that’s winning national awards and producing artistic forms to help other taxidermists. Beyond that that are serious Gamekeepers and Ben tells the story of transforming his 700 acre property to be a sanctuary for turkeys. He went from the same three hens to twenty five gobblers in just a few years. What did he do? We were amazed and inspired by his story. Learn about what to do to prepare your ducks, turkeys and deer for mounting and a grea...

On this episode, we are joined by two serious rattlesnake hunters from Texas, Dennis Cumbie and Mark Meneses. These men participate in the annual Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, helping capture between 5,000 and 20,000 pounds of western diamondback rattlesnakes each spring.

It's a fascinating process in which the snakes are milked for their venom, which is used by pharmaceutical companies to produce antivenom. We discuss how and why they do this and hear some incredible stories along the way.

Listen, Learn, and Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined by rabid duck hunter James Callicut to discuss waterfowl and managing for them. James is a certified wildlife biologist and is the Mississippi State Waterfowl and Upland Bird specialist and has some very interesting insight. Not seeing as many mallards as you have in years past? James speaks to the problem as well as some insight into how to manage hunting pressure to increase your productivity. There is a lot of good waterfowl info in this one. 

Listen, Learn and Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined by Brynn Parr, a research biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and she tells the conservation story of the Muskox. Admittedly, Muskox probably aren’t high on most people’s list of animals to learn about or even hunt, but their story is downright amazing. Most people don’t know that they were extirpated in Alaska by the 1920’s. In the 1930’s some forward thinking conservation minded folks got together and hatched a plan to bring them back. Purchasing captured animals in Greenland, they then had to be transported to the USA, quarant...

This week we’re joined by avid California hunter Parrey Cremeans as he tells a wild story about a turkey hunt in Mexico that will frazzle your nerves. It’s a story that doesn’t reflect the vast majority of hunting trips south of the border, but certainly happened to him on this fateful day. We also learned a lot about hunting turkeys and elk in the Golden State.

 Listen, Learn Enjoy.

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On this episode we’re joined by Macy Ledbetter, a well-informed top flight biologist in Texas who’s monitoring the New World Screw Worm situation in Texas with maximum urgency. It’s a red hot topic in South Texas and many southern gamekeepers are paying attention to the outbreak. The screw worm and it’s near eradication is a captivating story and tribute to science. The fact that it has fought its way back has ranchers/hunters/gamekeepers concerned, and for good reason. Macy does an eloquent job explaining it all. WE salute the agencies that are fighting around the cloc...